Let's discuss the Zoom F3 (32-bit Float Recorder)

[@nosecondlost]

First of all - YES, IT HAS A CONNECTOR FOR A TRIPOD BELOW AT THE BUTTOM. In my head I talked to Zoom and I asked them why they are not building a simple two channel 32bit float recorder with XLR inputs, standard battery power supply, two outputs and just an on/off switch with a record, pause and stop button in the sturdy housing of the F1! And now I watch your video. Sometimes life is a miracle!

[@GearTestTVTech]

Are you planning to order the Zoom F3? *February 17th Update:* The Zoom F3 is now available for preorder. I have preordered it, so subscribe if you would like to see my first impressions and review videos. The expected availability has changed back to end of Feb 2022, so we could see this in hand very soon. *February 12th Update:* The official pricing of $349.99 has been announced. The listing now shows the expected availability to be March 21st. It has been confirmed that there is a 1/4-20 mount on the bottom of the recorder.

[@frankluo230]

yes

[@MichaelFrazer]

Yes I am. I’m a little bummed I’ve ordered the F1-SP and the F2-BT in the last few months, when it seems like the F3 was what I really wanted, and needed, all along.

[@frankluo230]

@@MichaelFrazer F3 offers what most people below F6 would ever need. 2 XLR with clean +60db usable gain, 48V phantom power, limited mixing functions, and some sort of analog output, portable and reasonable battery life.

[@nosecondlost]

Of course. This is what most of the people need. Stereo, high quality audio, long lasting simple power supply, sturdy housing and excellent options for easy editing. Perfect for lightweight hiking and traveling. I hope Zoom will produce a lot of them - this model will be sold out in minutes!

[@craighoward5486]

Thanks so much for giving us a glimpse. Great video. And yes, I've wondered why hole has existed for so long! I will be an early adopter, and really hope they have a great noise floor on this.

[@RogerinFinland]

This had to be one of the best non-review videos I've ever seen!! On point! And I do agree with most of what you said. I'll likely get it (over the Tascam X8), but combo XLR ports, 3.5mm input and tripod mount would make this pretty much perfect for me.

[@GearTestTVTech]

Thanks!

[@Dancing_Alone_wRentals]

I'm from the future...the tail end of 2022 and I can say you did a fantastic job with this video down to catching the question mark that others would later have about the Zoom not having 3.5mm jacks.

[@markpullar8159]

To me this looks like the perfect pocket recorder for someone who either does mono or stereo field recording or something for a mic on a boom arm this can go basically on a belt to not think about much for easy simple recording. I am ordering mine the moment I can. This is a dream come true for me.

[@GearTestTVTech]

I agree. Portable and simple is the way to go.

[@ErisedMediaCo]

The pins on an XLR are much shorter than a 1/4” TRS cable. They probably don’t have the space internally for 1/4” cables but you could get an adapter and it’ll be fine.

[@GearTestTVTech]

A valid point.

[@kovafilms]

As of today you can preorder and dang man you hit it on the nail in terms of pricing wow haha exactly 349.99

[@quasiguy]

Well done! A lot of helpful information here. I agree, it would have been nice to have a 3.5mm input option. But I do like the option of using this as an XLR interface/audio back up for running into my camera (which only has the 3.5mm input). I'm going to keep an eye on this one. I have a number of Zoom audio recorders (H4n, H5, F1) and have found them to be high quality and reliable. Added the 32 bit float option to the mix is (hopefully) going to be another helpful advantage for this solo run and gun videographer.

[@besisikaphotography3061]

I hope it will have the same robust menu as the Zoom F6. One key feature for me is the ability to position left/right each channel at any value I want from 0 to 100. I assume that it doesn't matter for many out there, but for me this was the main reason I bought the F6, on top of the obvious 32-bit. If it does, I will take one.

[@aryapraagya]

The H6 costs $349 and it has 6 tracks, the F3 has 2. This is great for any sort of wireless boom setup but for independant creators, it needed a combo jack, if not at least this should be available for under $200

[@GearTestTVTech]

Yeah I'm really interested to find out the final pricing. If it was 24-bit then I would for sure expect it under $200, but 32-bit recorders tend to come with a premium price.

[@aryapraagya]

@@GearTestTVTech true but this is such a niche product, otherwise

[@ABCsangatsure]

@@GearTestTVTech I think 300～350$ or so. In Japan It costs 35000 Yen. I've already got it, great stuff.

[@markmarkus808]

Yeah I’m pre-ordering one thanks

[@edclevel402]

I wonder if the F1's clip-on camera top shock mount will fit the rails on this. That would get you both a 1/4-20 thread and a cold shoe mount.

[@gnkstudios6138]

Recently the price has been confirmed at $349. Great job on the prediction. Definitely getting this little guy. I only wishe they put rechargeable battery. That’s not a fault just my preference. Hate keeping up with AAs.

[@GearTestTVTech]

I agree 100%. I think using a battery bank to power through USB-C is also an option, but that makes for a more clunky setup than a built-in rechargeable battery.

[@estevanzamora]

Hey! Just saw this is $349.99 at most US retailers. Opinions? I bought that Tascam X8 but it had a ton of problems, the biggest one for me being that it wouldn't recognize any microSD cards, but those same cards (when formatted) work perfectly fine in my two Zoom F2s.

[@GearTestTVTech]

I have the X8 which I plan to keep since I occasionally need 6ch recording, but I have had a few issues with it that I'm hoping can be fixed in future firmware updates. I have also preordered the Zoom F3. I can't say anything for sure until I get it in hand, but I have a feeling it will be much more reliable than the X8, so it may become my primary audio recorder and I will only use the X8 when more inputs are needed. We'll see...

[@jochisfx]

Are there any zoom recorders with all of these features - 1) 32bit 2) XLR inputs 3) 10-pin connector for capsules. Looking currently and the F3 is the closest but doesn't have capsule support.

[@pauldigiacomo134]

Ok it is officially time for me to retire my H4n pro! Thanks for this video! :)

[@GearTestTVTech]

Between the Tascam X8 and the Zoom F3, I have a feeling there will be a lot of retired H4n recorders in the coming months. The H4n had a good run though!

[@caseykittel]

4:21 nah. it's the F series. F = field. not an h series. H = hand held, which has other useful features for general recording crappiness. so, no. they should not combine them into a single line. get the H series if you want combo inputs. I have an H5 and it's got a pretty loud noise floor when recording quite stuff. not a pro solution for field recording. I'm selling my H5 if anyone wants it. I can use my iphone for non professional stuff. I don't need the extra combo inputs etc. just a side note. all of my pro equipment that has combo inputs has an entirely separate pre amp. they handle the audio differently or both inputs would be compromised. 5:20 there is in fact a 1/4-20 mount on the bottom.

[@cryptotrader2779]

Looks cool but I was sad to hear it has no 3.5mm input. I use Binaural headphones, and this unit would have been super cool to slip into a jacket pocket for walkabouts.

[@SoundOfYourDestiny]

Headphones? You mean the Apogee earbuds that have mics integrated into them?

[@cryptotrader2779]

@@SoundOfYourDestiny Yes and no. I have the Roland binaural headphones, but same thing. They have a cable which splits into a 3.5mm input and a 3.5mm output. Headphone buds are a combo microphone on the outside and in-ear speaker. i.e. stereo microphones and speakers in one.

[@Ozpeter]

Zoom F1 is your best bet (that's what I use for this purpose) but it's not 32 bit of course.

[@cryptotrader2779]

@@Ozpeter Yeah, already have the H1n and it works OK for binaural, but I was looking for a handy recorder upgrade and the F3 was very nearly it. Can't believe it doesn't have a 3.5mm for PiP mics, and would be a complete no-brainer purchase if it did. It's the perfect machine for a super light kit with a pair of PiP mics.

[@actingcoachjohnpallotta3645]

Great video. Prob is it doesn't take the aded mics anymore or is there an adapter?

[@GearTestTVTech]

I don't think there will be an adapter for this one unfortunately.

[@noxtrom]

Very interested... Next recorder. Also looking at H6 with 4 channels + expansion bay, but no 32bit. This one (F3), 2 channels 32 bit with bt timecode. Already have an H5... Decisions...

[@stheshooter]

There has been a few review videos that popped up on youtube today and it does have a 1/4-20 mount on the bottom

[@GearTestTVTech]

Glad to hear that!

[@SoundOfYourDestiny]

The unfortunate thing about both this and the F6 is that they're not compatible with Zoom's own mic modules. Yes, the recorders are small, but XLR connectors and cables and mics will at least double their bulk. Zoom should have integrated a miniaturized version of their mic-module port and offered an adapter cable, for times when you just want to throw a compact setup in your suitcase but not buy yet another (and inferior) recorder. The possibility of adding timecode sync with the Atomos/TCS UltraSync modules is pretty key. I hope more companies integrate compatible timecode support directly into their devices. It's well past time to do that. It would make the use of multiple small float recorders pretty much painless.

[@GearTestTVTech]

Yeah I was surprised to see zoom omit the port for their mic modules on this recorder. Leaving that and a 3.5mm input out of the F3 makes me think they were trying to avoid cannibalizing the Zoom F1 sales.

[@SoundOfYourDestiny]

@@GearTestTVTech Except that the F6 doesn't support the modules either, and it's bigger than this thing. It seems that they've simply abandoned the modules entirely, which is too bad.

[@StatiKvibes]

Hey..! After watching some zoom f6 videos and some f3, i still cant get the differences between f6 and f3 except the input number.. ! :/

[@PhilipLuckey]

I suspect they didn’t use a combo XLR / 1/4” input, due to the locking capabilities of the XLR (or at least one of the reasons)

[@mtbin2]

Any experience if the F3 is immune to cell phone EMF? I have a tascam dr07II and it cannot be used at all around my iPhone as it’ll pick up digital clicking noise. I need to be able to record and multitask with the phone at the same time.

[@arjay1949]

Can anyone help with a spec query I have on the F3? ..... What is the upper frequency repsonse limit of the line out socket when used at 192KHz sampling ? ... It's not in the manual and Zoom haven't been able to help - other than to confirm that the record audio bandwidth extends to 60KHz. I need to record some 50KHz ultrasonic sounds, and I need to use the line out (or the headphone out?) to feed to a heterodyne monitor input. So does the line out have the same 60KHz upper frequency limit as the input at 192KHz? ...... I'd love to know! :)

[@InhabitFilms]

Can you output the 2 channels to a camera, split to left and right?

[@risbill1]

I'll probably stick with my zoom F4 and H5 combo. Or I will sell those and buy this. I do wish it had a hirose connector for power but I can adapt to usb.

[@BBQCrasher]

Shame a little to late. Invested in Tascam 32. Sorry Zoom. Was always a big fan an still have 2- h1 and 1-h2n.

[@samphelps856]

Thank you

[@goodeggproductions1971]

How much could a bluetooth chipset cost to include on the PCB??!! It's ridiculous that you have to purchase that BT1 thing extra to get the functionality of the (very good) mobile app that makes naming files and tracks way easier and faster than using those tiny buttons. Same thing with the F6, which I use. EVERYTHING has bluetooth. Why is Zoom complicating things with the port for the bluetooth module instead of just including it on the PCB?!

[@Sonoquilibrium]

Anyone heard if there is a possibility to switch-off the phantom power and use the F3 for non phantom powered mics like XLR Contact Mics and similar?

[@GearTestTVTech]

I'm almost certain that there is. I've never seen a Zoom recorder with phantom power that does have the ability to turn it off (usually it is off by default), but I'll find out for sure once my preordered unit arrives.

[@Sonoquilibrium]

@@GearTestTVTech Just that is possible to record also mono, I don't know if Zoom Corp. thought about the solution to apply the phantom power individually to just one channel, because to both I am sure there is that possibility!

[@DavidBrackett385]

Question. Does this 32 bit float recorder require a cloud lifter for gain hungry mics like the sm7b? If so will this provide phantom power with the AC adapter? Thanks.

[@GearTestTVTech]

Once my preordered unit arrives I will test it with the Rode PodMic and see how it does with a dynamic. I expect that it will be fine without a cloud lifter, but I'll find out for sure.

[@DavidBrackett385]

@@GearTestTVTech Awesome man I really enjoy your channel I discovered it recently after I fallen into the audio gear rabbit hole can you do great work have a great day man

[@MaxAver]

Will it be possible to use it as a portable audio interface, instead of Zoom U-22 / U-24?

[@GearTestTVTech]

Yes, according to the B&H listing there will be a firmware update next month that will make it usable as an audio interface.

[@aseomg]

4:24 No one is going to spend $300+ on a 2-channel field recorder wanting combo jacks so they can record music & or instruments. That's what $100 audio interfaces & mixers are for.

[@HouseofRen]

they really should have updated the zoom f1 with 32bit float. because their is an XLR adaptor, a XY mic adaptor and shotgun mic adaptor. I already have a zoom f6 witch isn't that big for a kit bag

[@GearTestTVTech]

Perhaps they will update it in the future? Seems like Zoom tried to keep the F3 separated from the F1 by not including a lav input or the mic capsule port.

[@zbyszekolko3998]

No gain no pain? Can you at least change an input level from Line to Mic?

[@GearTestTVTech]

I'll find out once my preordered unit arrives.

[@zbyszekolko3998]

@@GearTestTVTech That's great! I have more issues to adress if you are interested. ;)

[@GearTestTVTech]

@@zbyszekolko3998 Sure! Let me know what you want to know and I'll try to address it either in my initial F3 video or in my full review.

[@zbyszekolko3998]

@@GearTestTVTech I just want to know what is the additional headroom 32 bit floating recording provides. If F3 has +24dBu line and +4dBu mic max input levels, what levels correspond to 0dBFS?

[@1BabaSalam]

Looks like my next purchase will be the Tascam Portacapture X8. Tascam is getting more attractive, to me than Zoom. I say this with Zoom H1n, H6, F6 and LiveTrack L8 beside me.

[@GearTestTVTech]

Yeah the Portacapture looks great! I have my preorder placed. I need the extra inputs of the Portacapture, but the F3 would be nice for on-camera recording.

[@Ozpeter]

X8 has some serious issues - see relevant forum posts and some reviews. At present it seems to be rated as "do not buy".

[@1BabaSalam]

Thanks,@@Ozpeter

[@rachelkarengreen99]

Tim Tebow?

[@GearTestTVTech]

😂😂

[@ronflores7]

Dam i was about to order the tascam x8. At 500$ this looks more attractive since i only need 2 inputs

[@GearTestTVTech]

I have the X8 now. Hoping to pick up the F3 as well so I can do some comparison. I have a feeling I would use the F3 more often because if its simplicity and size.

[@MikeThe]

Отличный предобзор. Правда, как и F1 думал "купить-не купить", так и F3 "куплю-не куплю" :)

[@GearTestTVTech]

Спасибо! (one of the few Russian words I know 😉)

[@MikeThe]

@@GearTestTVTech Google translate brings together :)